Senator Alvarado Gill’s office urges support for Houston Fire Protection District, flags two bills moving in Sacramento

A district representative for Senator Maria Alvarado Gill updated the council on state and federal advocacy related to public safety and community food access and offered the senator’s office as a resource for the city.

"Senator Alvarado Gill continues to champion federal and state efforts to support the Houston Fire Protection District," Joey Chavez, district field representative, said. Chavez said the office has pushed for support to replace the district’s aging apparatus and facilities, which the presentation described as “nearly 80 years old” and not meeting current operational standards.

Chavez said the senator’s office has sent letters to federal partners including Senators Padilla and Schiff and to the city’s congressional representative (referred to in the transcript as "Congressman Mcgreg") to pursue complementary funding strategies for Houston and neighboring rural communities.

Chavez also described two state bills the office is tracking: SB229, described in the presentation as a peace-officer-related bill concerning deputy sheriffs (noted as applying specifically to Amador and Nevada counties), and SB353, a bill expected to be heard the next day that would extend and make permanent a tax credit for farmers who donate fresh food to food banks. Chavez said SB353 would directly benefit food access in the Central Valley and in the city.

Chavez closed by offering the senator’s office as a resource for city questions on infrastructure, water, public safety and community health and supplied contact information for the local field representative.